France coach is scolded for refusing to respond to the Moroccan press
The day before the clash between Morocco and France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup there was tension off the field. At this Wednesday's press conference at the Boston stadium, Moroccan journalists protested when they realized that Didier Deschamps' interview would be ended without any of them having asked questions.
The French coach spoke for around 20 minutes, within FIFA protocol. The French Football Federation's press office gave priority to French reporters, in addition to accepting one question in Spanish and another in English. When the press conference was declared over, Moroccans complained loudly.
Deschamps got up to leave the stage, but sat down again and agreed to answer one more question, visibly uncomfortable. The coach explained that he had a long journey back to the hotel, commitments with the players and training to prepare for. "If 50 raise their hands, I can't answer 50 questions," he said, before granting the final answer.
Didier Deschamps discusses with Moroccan journalists at a press conference in France | CNN SPORTS
2022 reissue
Morocco and France face each other this Thursday (9), at 5pm (Brasília time), at Gillette Stadium, in Boston, in the United States. Whoever advances will face Spain or Belgium in the semi-final.
The duel repeats the semifinal of the 2022 World Cup, in Qatar, when the French won 2-0 and eliminated the Africans. Now, the Moroccans have the chance to return the elimination.
France is chasing its third consecutive World Cup final, a feat that only Brazil has achieved. On the other hand, Morocco could become the first African team to reach a semi-final twice.
Historical ties
The rivalry between the teams has roots that go beyond football. Part of the Moroccan territory was a French protectorate between 1912 and 1956, a period in which France and Spain shared control of the region, in North Africa. Today, both European countries are home to large communities of Moroccan origin.
This connection is reflected in the squads: between the two teams, 29 players were born on French soil. Six of them defend Morocco, including midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, as well as Gessime Yassine, Issa Diop, Neil El Aynaoui, Redouane Halhal and Samir El Mourabet. Brahim Diaz, Hakimi and Saibari were born in Spain, and coach Mohamed Ouahbi, in Belgium.
Doubts in the lineups
Ouahbi has a lack of definition in attack. Saibari, recently signed by Bayern Munich, left the game against Canada with muscle pain. The player traveled with the delegation, and the decision on his presence should only be made hours before the match.
In France, Deschamps lives with two uncertainties. Tchouameni, who missed the team in qualifying against Paraguay due to a muscle injury, is still a doubt - Manu Koné, from Roma, is the natural replacement and has already occupied his place in two games at the World Cup. In attack, Bradley Barcola and Desiré Doué compete for the last position among the starters.
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Source: CNN